Bida: Gov. Mohammed Umar-Bago of Niger has inaugurated a short-term 20-year development plan for the ‘New Bida Town’. According to News Agency of Nigeria, the plan is aimed at strategically modernising the city in line with his administration’s vision of ‘Urban Renewal Development’ in the state.
The Governor unveiled this initiative at a Town Hall meeting and a stakeholders’ engagement on ‘New Bida 20-year Development Plan’, organised by the Ministry of Lands and Survey in collaboration with the New Niger Development Project. He described the plan as a short-term strategy designed to facilitate rapid development and boost socio-economic activities in Bida.
A major component of the plan is the 44km Ring Road dual carriageway, intended to alleviate traffic congestion. Umar-Bago announced that the road would lead to the emergence of a new city, equipped with social amenities and a 100 megawatt solar farm for local residents.
He emphasized the necessity of the ring road, noting, “With the thousands of articulated vehicles that pass through Bida, with all the negative consequences, the construction of the ring road, with a setback of 1km on each side, is a necessity for the health, safety, and prosperity of the town.” The development strategy is divided into 20-year short-term and 50-year long-term phases.
The Governor highlighted the economic potential of over 3 million trailers passing through the area monthly, suggesting that this could generate N3 billion in untapped revenue. Despite financial constraints, Umar-Bago committed to accelerating the state’s development, assuring residents that there would be no land seizures. He promised adequate compensation for those whose properties are affected by the project.
Community members were advised to remain vigilant against land grabbers, while the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, urged public cooperation with the government’s efforts. He remarked that the initiative is timely, given the current economic challenges and poor road conditions, and praised Umar-Bago’s efforts as a means to alleviate the people’s hardships.
The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mrs. Maurice Magaji, described the event as a pivotal moment for transforming Bida into an economically vibrant city, emphasizing sustainable growth and environmental resilience. Other stakeholders, including Retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Garba and Prof. Muhammad Kutea-Yahaya, commended the governor and called for public support to realize his vision fully.